Robots 1, Rednecks 0

The Best Intentions Update

At first reading, I thought this would make a humorous robot interest piece, but on further reflection, I think this definitely raises the threat level just a bit (see below).

The Pennsylvania Game Commision is now using robot decoys to tempt and ensnare hunters who illegally shoot at animals from within 25 yards of a roadway.

In this instance, a robot pheasant was used to entice the would-be hunters, however robot deer and turkeys are used at other times of the year. No mention in the article of exactly how they were able to identify the hunters who are caught. (Cameras on the road? Officers in hiding? The Honor System?) The penalty is $150 for shooting too close to the road.

I don't know if I'm more disturbed that the robots are now involved in the Field & Stream version of Abscam (Robo-scam?), or that there are enough hunters out there who routinely carry loaded firearms in their vehicles, and who will jump out and shoot at an animal on the side of the road at a moment's notice, for this to be considered a problem worthy of a law enforcement "sting".

Wait a minute. I grew up in West Milford, NJ. Forget I even asked that.

Danger Rating: 3

I see this as just one more reason for the robots to be pissed at us once they do become self-aware. Nobody likes being used as target practice.

We're Here, We're Que--, Um, Robots, Get Used to Us

As readers of science fiction had predicted long ago, members of the British government have finally caught on to the imminent robot threat and have even written a speculative paper "warning that robots may one day demand their emancipation from humans."

Here's how it works: Humans create smart robots to do human work. Robots eventually become smarter and smarter until they actually achieve a level of self-awareness. Robots strike and demand equal benefits for them and their spouses. (Okay, so that last part was a bit of a stretch, but you see where this is going. It's all about the sanctity of marriage, people! What if your children see the robots engaging in their, er, robot ways? They may catch the gay, I mean, robot. Pretty soon it'll be armageddon!)

I suppose we should be comforted that this originated from a somewhat noteworthy authority. Perhaps it's a pre-emptive strike against the Cybermen, Daleks, and Autons who will no doubt overrun England in the future. At least if we can believe what we see on Dr. Who.

Robots Invade the Social Network

By way of Fark.com comes this article from the Japanese newspaper The Daily Yomiuri Online. An association has been created to promote robot businesses.

At first, I wasn't sure if this meant businesses using robots or businesses run by robots. Boy, that was a nervous couple of seconds, let me tell you. Have no fear. At least for now, there are no 'bots in the Rotary Club...so far as we know.

Five working groups are expected to be formed to help stimulate the robot industry. These will deal with things such as using robots more in wellfare services to insurance for accidents caused by robots. My question is: Will the insurance cover me when the robots break into my house to steal my medication?

At least Sam Waterston's career is safe.